Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause something to happen or exist: To be the agent or catalyst that makes an event, situation, or state occur.
   • To cause a vehicle or vessel to turn around: To reverse the direction of travel, especially of a boat.

Usage and Examples

• To cause an event or situation:

  • The new policy aims to bring about positive social change.
  • The invention of the internet brought about a revolution in communication.
  • It was the scandal that brought about the government's collapse.

• To cause a vessel to turn (less common, often nautical):

  • The captain ordered the crew to bring about the ship to avoid the iceberg.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Bring about" is a transitive phrasal verb, requiring a direct object (the thing that is caused). It is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe causation.
• It implies a direct or indirect agent of change, often an action, decision, or event that leads to a significant result.
• The focus is on the result or outcome that is achieved.

Variants and Related Words

• Accomplish (verb): To successfully complete or achieve a goal.
• Effect (verb, formal): To cause something to happen; to bring into existence.
• Engender (verb, formal): To produce, cause, or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition.
• Precipitate (verb): To cause an event or situation, typically a bad one, to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.

Synonyms

• Cause
• Produce
• Create
• Give rise to
• Lead to
• Result in
• Effectuate (formal)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bring on: To cause something, often something unpleasant, to happen or appear.
  • The stress brought on a severe headache.
• Bring forth (literary/formal): To produce, give rise to, or introduce.
  • The crisis brought forth a new generation of leaders.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To bring about a sea change: To cause a complete and profound transformation.
  • The digital revolution has brought about a sea change in how we work.
• To bring about one's own downfall: To cause one's own failure or ruin through one's actions.
  • His arrogance ultimately brought about his own downfall.

Verb

1. cause to happen, occur or exist
   • This procedure produces a curious effect
   • The new law gave rise to many complaints
   • These chemicals produce a noxious vapor
   • the new President must bring about a change in the health care system
2. cause to move into the opposite direction
   • they brought about the boat when they saw a storm approaching